The Texas A&M AgriLife Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management (CGRM) is leading a large-scale effort to improve the ecological and economic resilience of ranching operations across the U.S.
Scale and Reach
- CGRM partners with 420 ranches in 17 states.
- Research covers more than 9 million acres of grazing land.
- The initiative focuses on delivering practical, ranch-level solutions.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Ranchers face increasing pressures, including:
- Changing weather patterns
- Soil degradation and land conversion
- Market volatility is impacting profitability.
CGRM’s research helps producers adapt using science-based grazing and land management practices.
Research Focus
The program analyzes key grazing factors, including:
- Grazing duration and rest periods
- Stock density and land use practices
The goal is to improve the following:
- Soil health and regeneration
- Forage production and water retention
- Long-term ranch productivity and profitability
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Beyond research, the center expands access to insights through:
- A Grazing Network Mentor program for producer-to-producer learning
- Partnerships with organizations like American Farmland Trust
- The Ranchworthy YouTube channel, which shares real-world strategies
- The Resilient Ranch Network, which connects producers with supply chain partners
Big Picture
As the nation’s leading beef producer, Texas plays a central role in advancing sustainable ranching. CGRM’s work enables ranchers to make data-driven decisions that support land health and long-term business viability.
Source: Sarah Fuller, Beef Magazine
Original Story: https://www.beefmagazine.com/farm-business-management/texas-a-m-agrilife-advances-rangeland-and-ranch-resilience-across-the-u-s-